Photo by stgermh.
The Fort Reno summer concert series was almost canceled this year, but after some back-and-forth between organizer Amanda MacKaye and the National Park Service and U.S. Park Police, the shows will go on. Now that the drama is over (for now, at least), it’s time to focus on what Fort Reno is all about: the bands.
Tonight’s bill: Peanut Butter & Dave, Golden Looks, Calavera Skull.
Who are they?
Calavera Skull is a new-ish five-piece rock band based in D.C. Its members have played in numerous D.C. bands over the years, but to understand the history of the band, it “might be better served by a flowchart,” says bassist Adam Bray. Basically, it’s a combination of friends asking friends to play music and a few Craigslist connections.
What do they sound like?
“Elvis Costello once said ‘Writing about music is like dancing about architecture,'” Bray says of the band’s sound in an email. But Calavera Skull plays a kind of scuzzy, psychedelic-tinged garage rock that’s equal parts 13th Floor Elevators and Black Lips, with shades of The Cramps thrown in for good measure.
Calavera Skull? What the hell is that?
It’s a makeshift human skull painted in cool colors and designs used to celebrate the Mexican Day of the Dead holiday. It’s also the name of the band.
Should I go?
Yes, always go to Fort Reno shows.
Who are they?
A three-piece indie-pop band from D.C., comprised several D.C. music vets (members of Friends of the Library, Hiding Places, Teen Mom, and Teenage Aviation). Guitarist/vocalists Nestor Diaz tells DCist he and vocalist/bassist Julia Novakowski have been playing music together in form or another since their college days.
What do they sound like?
Diaz describes the band as a “indie rock/post-punk” band, but the trio are definitely more complex than that. There’s a kind of spazzy, post-hardcore element as Diaz and Novakowski trade angular riffs while drummer Sean Dalby adds a kind of jazzy rhythm to the songs. That’s especially evident on the track below, “Hey Say.”
“Spazzy post-hardcore?” You basically just described every band to come out of D.C. in the ’90s.
Yeah, you’re right, but at its core, Golden Looks isn’t like that, they’re a pop band, and the songs are all surprisingly catchy. Even as the riffs get more angular and spazzy, the song structures and melodies are infectiously simple.
Should I go?
Yes, always go to Fort Reno shows.
Who are they?
Peanut Butter and Dave is a trio of veteran musicians from different regions, though this is the first D.C. band they’ve been a part of.
What do they sound like?
“Folk metal?” PB&D’s Paul Bugala writes in an email. I’d hardly consider them a metal band, but they definitely have their heavier moments, particularly on the track “Secret Policeman’s Ball.” They’re more of an impulsive indie-prog band, with the occasional heavy outburst.
Peanut Butter and Dave? That sounds like the name a kid’s band!
Indeed it does. But they are not a kid’s band. I mean, your kids may enjoy it, especially if, for some reason, they really like prog rock.
Should I go?
Yes, always go to Fort Reno shows.
